An Inane Display

May 16, 1990

The Flag Protection Act of 1989 did just what we feared it would do. Instead of protecting Old Glory, it set the stage for another Supreme Court ruling on the controversial matter of flag-burning. And, in the process, it brought out all kinds of kooks.

As arguments on the constitutionality of the law were presented to the justices Monday, the scene outside the court building resembled a circus. People in Nazi-like uniforms, others in red firemen's hats and all manner of clowns shouted at each other about their right to destroy the flag and their right to defend it. The spectacle was tailor-made for the cameras.

Such antics not only desecrate the flag but belittle the nation itself. We have become a laughingstock, a theater of the absurd, and all because of the national emblem. Surely there are more pressing issues that should occupy the time of our political leaders, judges, media and citizenry at large.

Our flag deserves respect, not in and of itself, but because of the freedoms it symbolizes and the lives that have been lost in defense of those liberties. But it should be obvious by now that any attempt to legislate respect for the flag will entice attention-seekers to revile it all the more.

Politicians jumped at the chance last year to prove their patriotism by pushing flag-protection measures. The Republicans stalled in attempts at a constitutional amendment to outlaw desecration. The Democrats were more successful with legislation that was supposed to protect the flag. Instead, the law was soon declared unconstitutional by lower courts and now the issue is back before the Supreme Court.

Renewed attempts at a constitutional amendment are likely if the court overturns the law. And the fun, frolic and chest-beating will go on.

It would have been better if everyone had just accepted the Supreme Court's premise that burning the flag, as repugnant as that may be to most people, is a form of free speech guaranteed by the Constitution. Instead, efforts at new flag-protection legislation have only fanned the flames and provided an arena for inane displays of emotion.